Dawn Harsch

Meet Dawn Harsch

My Personality profiles say I’m an ENTJ, a Director, a Maximizer with Activator, Futuristic and Strategic strengths, a Persuader and a high red/yellow. IYKYK

I’m a big-picture thinker who sees the North Star, connects the dots, and charts the course to get there. I’m wired to see possibilities where others see obstacles, challenge the status quo, and turn bold ideas into tangible results.

But vision is only the beginning. I believe in rolling up my sleeves, doing the hard work, tackling the tough stuff, and staying in the game if it gets tough. I bring energy, conviction, determination, and a healthy dose of impatience for unnecessary barriers. I know how to bring people along, build momentum, make tough decisions, and keep moving forward when things get messy.

I’m equal parts vision, strategy, grit, and execution. I don’t just want to talk about what’s possible. I want to build it, improve it, and leave things better than I found them.

And yes, I work hard. Really hard. Because big things rarely happen by accident.

My Purpose & Values

My Purpose in Life is Simple:

To do Good things, for Good people, with Good people.

But let me expand on that by explaining my values, what makes me tick.

Family

My anchor. My why. My everything.

Having spent years as a nurse, with the privilege of caring for and working alongside some extraordinary people, I’ve had a front-row seat to what truly matters in life. I’ve seen accomplished, successful people at their most vulnerable, and I’ve been reminded time and again that when everything else falls away, it’s the people we love who matter most. Family is my foundation, my greatest source of joy, and the reason behind so much of what I do. Success means very little if you lose sight of the people you’re working so hard for. At the end of the day, family is everything.

Hard Work

Roll up your sleeves. Earn the outcome.

I believe in doing the work—not just talking about it. Big ideas, meaningful change, and lasting success require effort, resilience, discipline, and the willingness to keep going when things get hard. I’ve never expected someone else to do the heavy lifting for me, and I don’t shy away from the tough stuff. I’m willing to put in the long hours, make the difficult decisions, and stay in the game when the easy option is to walk away. Talent may open doors, but hard work is what turns possibility into reality.

Personal Freedoms

The freedom to choose my own path.

I value the freedom to think independently, make my own choices, take calculated risks, and build a life that reflects what matters to me. I don’t believe in living by someone else’s definition of success or staying in a box simply because that’s where people expect me to be. Freedom comes with responsibility, courage, and sometimes uncomfortable choices—but it also gives us the opportunity to grow, reinvent ourselves, and create something on our own terms. I want to own my choices, not live someone else’s expectations.

Authenticity

Be real. Know who you are. Own it.

I believe the strongest relationships and the best leadership start with being genuine. I value saying what I mean, showing up as myself, and having the courage to stand behind what I believe—even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. I have little interest in pretending to be someone I’m not to fit in or win approval. Authenticity also means being willing to acknowledge my imperfections, learn from my mistakes, and give others the same freedom to be themselves. I’d rather be respected for who I am than accepted for who I’m not.

Accountability

Own your choices. Own your impact.

I believe accountability is the foundation of trust, credibility, and effective leadership. It means doing what you say you’ll do, taking responsibility when things go wrong, giving credit where it’s due, and having the courage to make things right. I hold myself to high standards, and I expect the same of the people I work with. Accountability isn’t about blame or perfection; it’s about ownership, honesty, and a commitment to learn and do better. You can’t always control the circumstances, but you can always take responsibility for your response.

More About Me

My Professional History

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN)

University of Alberta | 1996

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

University of Alberta | 2002

Institute of Corporate Directors Director Designation (ICD.D)

ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto | 2024

Founder & President — ExquisiCare Senior Living & Care At Home

2011–December 2025

Founded and led an innovative senior-care organization built around small, residential care homes and home care support services. Led business strategy, operations, workforce development, growth and the development of a distinctive model of person-centred care. Guided the business through its 2023 acquisition by SE Health and continued as President through the end of 2025.

Healthcare Leadership — Capital Health / Alberta Public Healthcare System

2001–2009, including leadership progression

Progressed from patient care management to director level leadership, overseeing healthcare initiatives, including dialysis services and the development and renovation of dialysis units. Contributed to innovative approaches to improving access to care, including services for rural communities.

Strategic Advisor — Independent

2026–Present

Advising founders, CEOs and boards on strategy, growth, governance and organizational complexity, drawing on firsthand experience building, operating and exiting a business. Particularly relevant to senior living, continuing care, home care and healthcare transformation.

Senior Care & Healthcare Transformation

Deep expertise in senior living, long-term care, supportive living, home care and innovative models of care delivery. Specialization in the Small Home Model and creating environments that prioritize dignity, autonomy, meaningful relationships and quality of life.

Business Strategy & Growth

Strategic planning, business development, scaling operations, identifying new opportunities and translating vision into executable business plans.

Operations & Organizational Performance

Operational improvement, workforce models, staffing strategy, leadership structures, service delivery, organizational culture and sustainable performance.

Corporate Governance & Board Leadership

Board effectiveness, governance, strategic oversight, risk-informed decision-making and the relationship between boards and executive leadership. ICD.D-trained corporate director with experience across for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Exits

Firsthand experience building a business with a clear purpose, scaling it, identifying a strategic partner and navigating a successful sale. A practical perspective for founders considering their next stage of growth or eventual exit.

Leadership, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership development, change management, government and sector engagement, advocacy, relationship building and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

alberta municipalities

Alberta Municipal Services Corporation

External Director | April 2026–Present
A formal external director appointment, bringing independent oversight, strategic perspective and business leadership experience to an organization serving Alberta's municipal sector.

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce

Board Chair (2019) | Board Director, six-year tenure
Served six years on the Board of Directors, culminating in the role of Board Chair. Contributed to organizational governance, business advocacy and engagement with Edmonton's business community.

ASCHA

Seniors Housing Society of Alberta

Past President | Board Director
Led board-level work in Alberta's seniors housing sector, contributing an operator's perspective on policy, sector challenges and the future of continuing care.

Junior Achievement Northern Alberta

Board Director | 2025–Present Supporting youth education, entrepreneurship and the development of future business leaders.

University of Alberta Hospital Foundation

MS Cabinet Member | 2022 Contributed to philanthropic and community engagement in support of healthcare.

South West Edmonton Minor Baseball Association

Founder & Vice President | 2015–2019 Helped establish and lead a community baseball organization, supporting youth participation, community engagement and organizational development.

Women's Presidents' Organization — Edmonton Chapters

Chapter Chair | 2025–Present Leading chapter initiatives that foster peer learning, connection and growth among women business owners.

Give back and governance

Give Back & Governance

I believe strong governance and engaged leadership are essential to building organizations, strengthening communities and creating lasting impact.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to boards and community organizations across business, healthcare, senior care and youth development. These experiences have shaped my perspective on strategic oversight, organizational accountability, stakeholder engagement and the responsibility leaders have to the communities they serve.

I continue to contribute through both formal governance appointments and community leadership, with a particular interest in opportunities where I can bring strategic insight, entrepreneurial experience and a commitment to meaningful results.

Let's Chat!

Let's Chat!

Please don't hesitate to contact me for any of the following.

Board Director Roles

I have limited availability to contribute to Corporate Boards and will only step onto a Board when I know I can make a real contribution. I am currently open to Private or Family Businesses looking to grow through thoughtful strategic planning and execution.

Senior Care Consulting

If your Senior Care Organization needs an outside set of eyes to help you understand where you can maximize return on investment, I can help!

Learn more about consulting services at agewelladvisorypartners.ca.

Speaking Engagements

Curious about my story? I’m happy to share with the aim of making someone else’s journey a little easier.

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